Networking began at 6:30 p.m., and UFTA President Al Quinn opened the meeting at 7 p.m. The minutes and treasurer's report were given, and then the film's director of photography (DP) spoke about the film before it was screened. Ernesto Lasso de la Vega was not only the DP, but he was also the film's editor.

Most of those in attendance were cast and crew of the film. Some of them included Al Quinn, Carrie Belluso, Margaret Bishop, Cassidy Reyes, Dr. Joe Reyes, Shivani Patel, Pooja Patel, Rick Vorell, Steve Barnett and Griffen Olney. The actors not present were Cynthia S. Bercowetz, Geri Muck, Benjamin Jacob and Judy Davis.

In addition, there were a variety of guests. Some of the actors' friends and family members were also in attendance. UFTA member Jim Hendricks was among them. He was and is great support!

After "Casting" was shown twice (video link below), including bloopers at the end, Ernesto's film "Praise the Teacher" was also shown. His film was 25 minutes in length and from the applause it was enjoyed as well!

UFTA had been planning to create such a film, "Casting," for years. Physical planning, the pre-production stage, began early in 2013. By fall of the same year the film was cast, plus there were readings and rehearsals.

The shooting of the film took place mostly in Naples at Protocol Models on the Gulf. The owner and operator of the agency is Geri Muck. Muck was also an actor in the film. She portrayed a talent agent. She came off as "scary" and funny all at the same time. It is a great scene!

In February 2014 the film was shot at Protocol. It was edited in March and recently screened (April 14). Here one can view "Casting." There is talk that it might be entered in film festivals, with future films to follow!

First scene shot in "Casting"Photo courtesy of UFTA, used with permission

First scene shot in "Casting"

"Casting" was shot on location here in Naples, Fla.

The agency they shot in was Protocol Models on the Gulf owned and operated by talent agent Geri Muck.